System-on-a-chip (SoC) test interface security

ABSTRACT

Apparatus having corresponding methods and computer programs comprise: a processor; a test interface that is in communication with the processor only when the test interface is enabled; a first memory to store firmware for the processor; and a second memory to store boot code for the processor, wherein when the processor is booted, the boot code causes the processor to read a portion of the firmware from a predetermined location in the first memory; wherein the test interface is enabled only when the portion of the firmware has a predetermined value.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/831,022 filed Jul. 14, 2006 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/820,287 filed Jul. 25, 2006, thedisclosure thereof incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to integrated circuits. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to system-on-a-chip (SoC)test interface security.

Recent advances in integrated circuit technology have led to theproliferation of so-called system-on-a-chip (SoC) integrated circuits,where a processor is embedded with memory and other hardware blocks suchas application-specific circuits on a single integrated circuit chip.FIG. 1 shows a prior art SoC 100 comprising a processor 102, anon-volatile memory 104, a volatile memory 106, a read-only memory (ROM)108, a test interface 110, and application-specific circuit 112.

SoC 100 usually comprises a test interface 110, such as a Joint TestAction Group (JTAG) interface, for use in debugging and testing the SoC100. Test interface 110 is generally connected to processor 102 andapplication-specific circuit 112, and can be connected to other circuitsin SoC 100 as well. For example, test interface 100 can be used to tracethe execution by processor 102 of firmware stored in non-volatile memory104.

However, while useful during development, test interface 10 alsoprovides a opening for attackers to penetrate SoC 100 once deployed inthe field. For example, an attacker can use test interface 110 to copyor modify the firmware to break the security of systems in which SoC 100is deployed. SoC 100 may employ secrets such as secret keys to preventunauthorized access to certain resources. For example, a SoC 100deployed in a Digital Video Disc (DVD) player/burner can employ a secretkey to prevent a user from making copies of a copy-protected DVD. Anattacker can use test interface 110 to obtain the secret key, and thenuse the DVD player/burner to make copies of copy-protected DVDs.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the invention features an apparatuscomprising: a processor; a test interface that is in communication withthe processor only when the test interface is enabled; a first memory tostore firmware for the processor; and a second memory to store boot codefor the processor, wherein when the processor is booted, the boot codecauses the processor to read a portion of the firmware from apredetermined location in the first memory; wherein the test interfaceis enabled only when the portion of the firmware has a predeterminedvalue.

In some embodiments, the test interface comprises: a Joint Test ActionGroup (JTAG) interface. In some embodiments, the processor determineswhether the portion of the firmware has the predetermined value; and theprocessor enables the test interface when the portion of the firmwarehas the predetermined value. Some embodiments comprise anapplication-specific circuit comprising a register, wherein the bootcode causes the processor to write the portion of the firmware to theregister, a third memory to store the predetermined value, and logic toenable the test interface based on a comparison between the register andthe third memory. In some embodiments, the test interface is incommunication with the application-specific circuit only when the testinterface is enabled. In some embodiments, the portion of the firmwarestored at the predetermined location in the first memory is scrambled,the apparatus further comprising: a descrambler to descramble theportion of the firmware when the processor reads the portion of thefirmware from the predetermined location in the first memory. In someembodiments, the descrambling is performed according to at least one of:an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) process; a Data EncryptionStandard (DES) process; and a shared-key process. In some embodiments,the first memory comprises: a firmware memory. In some embodiments, thesecond memory comprises: a read-only memory. Some embodiments comprisean integrated circuit comprising the apparatus. Some embodimentscomprise a disc player comprising the integrated circuit.

In general, in one aspect, the invention features an apparatuscomprising: means for processing; test interface means for communicatingwith the means for processing only when the test interface means isenabled; first memory means for storing firmware for the means forprocessing; and second memory means for storing boot code for the meansfor processing, wherein when the means for processing is booted, theboot code causes the means for processing to read a portion of thefirmware from a predetermined location in the first memory means;wherein the test interface means is enabled only when the portion of thefirmware has a predetermined value.

In some embodiments, the test interface comprises: a Joint Test ActionGroup (JTAG) interface. In some embodiments, the means for processingdetermines whether the portion of the firmware has the predeterminedvalue; and wherein the means for processing enables the test interfacemeans when the portion of the firmware has the predetermined value. Someembodiments comprise third memory means for storing data, wherein theboot code causes the means for processing to write the portion of thefirmware to the third memory means, fourth memory means for storing thepredetermined value, and logic means for enabling the test interfacebased on a comparison between the third and fourth memory means. In someembodiments, the test interface means is in communication with the logicmeans only when the test interface is enabled. In some embodiments, theportion of the firmware stored at the predetermined location in thefirst memory means is scrambled, the apparatus further comprising:descrambler means for descrambling the portion of the firmware when themeans for processing reads the portion of the firmware from thepredetermined location in the first memory means. In some embodiments,the descrambling is performed according to at least one of: an AdvancedEncryption Standard (AES) process; a Data Encryption Standard (DES)process; and a shared-key process. Some embodiments comprise anintegrated circuit comprising the apparatus. Some embodiments comprise adisc player comprising the integrated circuit.

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method for operatingan apparatus including a processor, a test interface, a first memory tostore firmware for the processor, and a second memory to store boot codefor the processor, the method comprising: reading a portion of thefirmware from a predetermined location in the first memory in responseto the boot code when the processor is booted; determining whether theportion of the firmware has a predetermined value; and enabling the testinterface only when the portion of the firmware has the predeterminedvalue; wherein the test interface communicates with the processor onlywhen the test interface is enabled.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a register and athird memory to store the predetermined value, the method furthercomprising: writing the portion of the firmware to the register inresponse to the boot code; and enabling the test interface based on acomparison between the register and the third memory. In someembodiments, the apparatus further includes an application-specificcircuit comprising the register and the third memory; and wherein thetest interface communicates with the application-specific circuit onlywhen the test interface is enabled. In some embodiments, the portion ofthe firmware stored at the predetermined location in the first memory isscrambled, the method further comprising: descrambling the portion ofthe firmware when reading the portion of the firmware from thepredetermined location in the first memory. In some embodiments, thedescrambling is performed according to at least one of: an AdvancedEncryption Standard (AES) process; a Data Encryption Standard (DES)process; and a shared-key process.

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a computer programexecutable on a processor for operating an apparatus including aprocessor, a test interface, a first memory to store firmware for theprocessor, and a second memory to store boot code for the processor, thecomputer program comprising: instructions for reading a portion of thefirmware from a predetermined location in the first memory in responseto the boot code when the processor is booted; instructions fordetermining whether the portion of the firmware has a predeterminedvalue; and instructions for enabling the test interface only when theportion of the firmware has the predetermined value; wherein the testinterface communicates with the processor only when the test interfaceis enabled. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes aregister and a third memory to store the predetermined value, thecomputer program further comprising: instructions for writing theportion of the firmware to the register in response to the boot code;and instructions for enabling the test interface based on a comparisonbetween the register and the third memory. In some embodiments, theapparatus further includes an application-specific circuit comprisingthe register and the third memory; and wherein the test interfacecommunicates with the application-specific circuit only when the testinterface is enabled. In some embodiments, the portion of the firmwarestored at the predetermined location in the first memory is scrambled,the computer program further comprising: instructions for descramblingthe portion of the firmware when reading the portion of the firmwarefrom the predetermined location in the first memory. In someembodiments, the descrambling is performed according to at least one of:an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) process; a Data EncryptionStandard (DES) process; and a shared-key process.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a prior art system-on-a-chip (SoC).

FIG. 2 shows a SoC where a processor checks for the authorization codeaccording to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a process for the SoC of FIG. 3 according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a SoC where an application-specific circuit checks for theauthorization code according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 shows a process for the SoC of FIG. 5 according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-6G show various exemplary implementations of the presentinvention. The leading digit(s) of each reference numeral used in thisspecification indicates the number of the drawing in which the referencenumeral first appears.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide security for testinterfaces for system-on-a-chip (SoC) integrated circuits. The SoCincludes the test interface, a processor, a firmware memory to storefirmware for the processor, and a read-only memory to store boot codefor the processor. The test interface is in communication with theprocessor only when the test interface is enabled, and can beimplemented as a Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) interface. When theprocessor is booted, the boot code causes the processor to read aportion of the firmware from a predetermined location in the firmwarememory. The test interface is enabled only when the portion of thefirmware read by the processor comprises a predetermined authorizationcode.

In SoCs implemented according to embodiments of the present invention,the authorization code can be stored in the firmware memory during thedevelopment phase of the SoC, thereby enabling the test interface fordebugging and testing of the SoC. Then, for production, theauthorization code can be removed from the firmware, thereby disablingthe test interface.

In some embodiments, the processor determines whether the portion of thefirmware comprises the authorization code, and enables the testinterface when the portion of the firmware comprises the authorizationcode. In other embodiments, an application-specific circuit determineswhether the portion of the firmware comprises the authorization code.The application-specific circuit can be a device controller or the like,for example to control a Digital Video Disc (DVD) player/burner or thelike. The application-specific circuit comprises a register, a memory tostore the authorization code, and a comparator. The boot code causes theprocessor to write the portion of the firmware to the register. Thecomparator enables the test interface based on a comparison between theregister and the further memory.

In embodiments where the application-specific circuit checks for theauthorization code, the manufacturer of the SoC doesn't need to know theauthorization code, and so is freed from the responsibility ofmaintaining and securing the authorization codes for the SoCs itmanufactures. In these embodiments, the customer (for example, amanufacturer of an electronic device that includes the SoC) can purchaseSoCs not containing authorization codes, and then the customer can enterthe authorization codes into the SoCs to enable the test interface fortesting and debugging. For example, the memory in theapplication-specific circuit can be implemented as a one-timeprogrammable memory. The customer burns the authorization code into thememory, and also stores the authorization code in the firmware. When thecustomer is ready to ship the SoCs, the customer simply removes theauthorization code from the firmware, thereby disabling the testinterface.

In some embodiments, some or all of the firmware stored in the firmwarememory is scrambled according to a scrambling process. These embodimentsinclude a descrambler to descramble the firmware according to adescrambling process when the processor reads the firmware from thefirmware memory. The scrambling and descrambling processes can includean Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) process, a Data EncryptionStandard (DES) process, a shared-key process, and the like. In theseembodiments, even if an attacker is somehow able to access the SoCthrough the test interface, the attacker will still be faced with theproblem of descrambling the firmware.

FIG. 2 shows a SoC 200 where a processor 202 in SoC 200 checks for theauthorization code according to embodiments of the present invention.SoC 200 comprises a processor 202, a test interface 204 that is incommunication with processor 202 only when test interface 204 isenabled, a firmware memory 206 to store firmware 208 for processor 202,and a read-only memory (ROM) 210 to store boot code 212 for processor202. Test interface 204 can be connected to processor 202 andapplication-specific circuit 216, as well as other circuits in SoC 200,when test interface 204 is enabled, as described in detail below. Testinterface 204 can be implemented as a JTAG interface or the like.Firmware memory 206 can be implemented as a non-volatile memory or thelike.

SoC 200 generally also comprises a random-access memory (RAM) 214 and anapplication-specific circuit 216. For example, when SoC 200 is intendedto control a disc player such as a DVD player, application-specificcircuit 216 can include a disc controller and a read channel. Of course,other implementations can include other sorts of application-specificcircuits.

In some embodiments, firmware 208 is scrambled and SoC 200 includes adescrambler 218 to descramble all or part of firmware 208 as firmware208 is read from firmware memory 206, for example as described above.Although in the described embodiments, the elements of SoC 200 arepresented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature otherarrangements, as will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant artsbased on the disclosure and teachings provided herein. For example, theelements of SoC 200 can be implemented in hardware, software, orcombinations thereof.

FIG. 3 shows a process for SoC 200 of FIG. 3 according to embodiments ofthe present invention. Although in the described embodiments, theelements of process 300 are presented in one arrangement, otherembodiments may feature other arrangements, as will be apparent to oneskilled in the relevant arts based on the disclosure and teachingsprovided herein.

Processor 202 is booted (step 302), for example by cycling power to SoC200, applying a reset signal to processor 202, or the like, as iswell-known in the relevant arts. When booted, processor 202 begins toexecute boot code 212 stored in ROM 210 (step 304). Boot code 212 causesprocessor 202 to read a portion of firmware 208 from a predeterminedlocation in firmware memory 206 (step 306), and to determine whetherthat portion of firmware 208 contains an appropriate authorization code(step 308). For example, an authorization code can be stored in ROM 210,and processor 202 compares that authorization code with the portion offirmware 208 read from the predetermined location in firmware memory206.

If firmware 208 contains an appropriate authorization code (step 310),processor 202 enables test interface 204 (step 312), for example byasserting an enable signal 220. Otherwise, processor 202 disables testinterface 204 (step 314), for example by negating enable signal 220.When enabled, test interface 204 allows communications between anexternal device, such as a test device, and processor 202, and in someembodiments, with other circuits in SoC 200 such as application-specificcircuit 216.

FIG. 4 shows a SoC 400 where an application-specific circuit 416 in SoC400 checks for the authorization code according to embodiments of thepresent invention. SoC 400 comprises a processor 402, a test interface404 that is in communication with processor 402 only when test interface404 is enabled, a firmware memory 406 to store firmware 408 forprocessor 402, and a read-only memory (ROM) 410 to store boot code 412for the processor. Test interface 404 can be connected to processor 402and application-specific circuit 416, as well as other circuits in SoC400, when test interface 404 is enabled, as described in detail below.Test interface 404 can be implemented as a JTAG interface or the like.Firmware memory 406 can be implemented as a non-volatile memory or thelike. SoC 400 generally also comprises a random-access memory (RAM) 414.

SoC 400 also comprises an application-specific circuit 416. For example,when SoC 400 is intended to control a disc player such as a DVD player,application-specific circuit 416 can include a disc controller and aread channel. Of course, other implementations can include other sortsof application-specific circuits. Application-specific circuit 416comprises a register 422, a memory 424, and a comparator 426. Memory 424can be implemented as a one-time programmable memory.

In some embodiments, firmware 408 is scrambled and SoC 400 includes adescrambler 418 to descramble all or part of firmware 408 as firmware408 is read from firmware memory 406, for example as described above.Although in the described embodiments, the elements of SoC 400 arepresented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature otherarrangements, as will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant artsbased on the disclosure and teachings provided herein. For example, theelements of SoC 400 can be implemented in hardware, software, orcombinations thereof.

FIG. 5 shows a process for SoC 400 of FIG. 5 according to embodiments ofthe present invention. Although in the described embodiments, theelements of process 500 are presented in one arrangement, otherembodiments may feature other arrangements, as will be apparent to oneskilled in the relevant arts based on the disclosure and teachingsprovided herein.

Processor 402 is booted (step 502), for example by cycling power to SoC400, applying a reset signal to processor 402, or the like, as iswell-known in the relevant arts. When booted, processor 402 begins toexecute boot code 412 stored in ROM 410 (step 504). Boot code 412 causesprocessor 402 to read a portion of firmware 408 from a predeterminedlocation in firmware memory 406 (step 506), and to write that portion offirmware 408 to register 422 in application-specific circuit 416 (step508).

In these embodiments, the authorization code is stored in memory 424.Comparator 426 enables test interface 404 based on a comparison betweenregister 422 and memory 424. In particular, if memory 424 contains anappropriate authorization code (step 510), comparator 426 enables testinterface 404 (step 512), for example by asserting an enable signal 420.Otherwise, comparator 426 disables test interface 404 (step 514), forexample by negating enable signal 420. When-enabled, test interface 404allows communications between an external device, such as a test device,and processor 402, and in some embodiments, with other circuits in SoC400 such as application-specific circuit 416.

FIGS. 6A-6G show various exemplary implementations of the presentinvention. Referring now to FIG. 6A, the present invention can beimplemented in a hard disk drive 601. The present invention mayimplement either or both signal processing and/or control circuits,which are generally identified in FIG. 6A at 602. In someimplementations, the signal processing and/or control circuit 602 and/orother circuits (not shown) in the HDD 601 may process data, performcoding and/or encryption, perform calculations, and/or format data thatis output to and/or received from a magnetic storage medium 603.

The HDD 601 may communicate with a host device (not shown) such as acomputer, mobile computing devices such as personal digital assistants,cellular phones, media or MP3 players and the like, and/or other devicesvia one or more wired or wireless communication links 604. The HDD 601may be connected to memory 605 such as random access memory (RAM), lowlatency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory, read only memory (ROM)and/or other suitable electronic data storage.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, the present invention can be implemented in adigital versatile disc (DVD) drive 606. The present invention mayimplement either or both signal processing and/or control circuits,which are generally identified in FIG. 6B at 607, and/or mass datastorage of the DVD drive 606. The signal processing and/or controlcircuit 607 and/or other circuits (not shown) in the DVD 606 may processdata, perform coding and/or encryption, perform calculations, and/orformat data that is read from and/or data written to an optical storagemedium 608. In some implementations, the signal processing and/orcontrol circuit 607 and/or other circuits (not shown) in the DVD 606 canalso perform other functions such as encoding and/or decoding and/or anyother signal processing functions associated with a DVD drive.

The DVD drive 606 may communicate with an output device (not shown) suchas a computer, television or other device via one or more wired orwireless communication links 609. The DVD 606 may communicate with massdata storage 610 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner. The mass datastorage 610 may include a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDD may have theconfiguration shown in FIG. 6A. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includesone or more platters having a diameter that is smaller thanapproximately 1.8″. The DVD 606 may be connected to memory 611 such asRAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/orother suitable electronic data storage.

Referring now to FIG. 6C, the present invention can be implemented in ahigh definition television (HDTV) 612. The present invention mayimplement either or both signal processing and/or control circuits,which are generally identified in FIG. 6C at 613, a WLAN interfaceand/or mass data storage of the HDTV 612. The HDTV 612 receives HDTVinput signals in either a wired or wireless format and generates HDTVoutput signals for a display 614. In some implementations, signalprocessing circuit and/or control circuit 613 and/or other circuits (notshown) of the HDTV 612 may process data, perform coding and/orencryption, perform calculations, format data and/or perform any othertype of HDTV processing that may be required.

The HDTV 612 may communicate with mass data storage 615 that stores datain a nonvolatile manner such as optical and/or magnetic storage devices.At least one HDD may have the configuration shown in FIG. 6A and/or atleast one DVD may have the configuration shown in FIG. 6B. The HDD maybe a mini HDD that includes one or more platters having a diameter thatis smaller than approximately 1.8″. The HDTV 612 may be connected tomemory 616 such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such asflash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage. The HDTV 612also may support connections with a WLAN via a WLAN network interface617.

Referring now to FIG. 6D, the present invention implements a controlsystem of a vehicle 618, a WLAN interface and/or mass data storage ofthe vehicle control system. In some implementations, the presentinvention implements a powertrain control system 619 that receivesinputs from one or more sensors such as temperature sensors, pressuresensors, rotational sensors, airflow sensors and/or any other suitablesensors and/or that generates one or more output control signals such asengine operating parameters, transmission operating parameters, and/orother control signals.

The present invention may also be implemented in other control systems622 of the vehicle 618. The control system 622 may likewise receivesignals from input sensors 623 and/or output control signals to one ormore output devices 624. In some implementations, the control system 622may be part of an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a navigation system, atelematics system, a vehicle telematics system, a lane departure system,an adaptive cruise control system, a vehicle entertainment system suchas a stereo, DVD, compact disc and the like. Still other implementationsare contemplated.

The powertrain control system 619 may communicate with mass data storage625 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner. The mass data storage 625may include optical and/or magnetic storage devices for example harddisk drives (HDDs) and/or DVD drives. At least one HDD may have theconfiguration shown in FIG. 6A and/or at least one DVD may have theconfiguration shown in FIG. 6B. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includesone or more platters having a diameter that is smaller thanapproximately 1.8″. The powertrain control system 619 may be connectedto memory 626 such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such asflash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage. Thepowertrain control system 619 also may support connections with a WLANvia a WLAN network interface 627. The control system 622 may alsoinclude mass data storage, memory and/or a WLAN interface (all notshown).

Referring now to FIG. 6E, the present invention can be implemented in acellular phone 628 that may include a cellular antenna 629. The presentinvention may implement either or both signal processing and/or controlcircuits, which are generally identified in FIG. 6E at 630, a WLANinterface and/or mass data storage of the cellular phone 628. In someimplementations, the cellular phone 628 includes a microphone 631, anaudio output 632 such as a speaker and/or audio output jack, a display633 and/or an input device 634 such as a keypad, pointing device, voiceactuation and/or other input device. The signal processing and/orcontrol circuits 630 and/or other circuits (not shown) in the cellularphone 628 may process data, perform coding and/or encryption, performcalculations, format data and/or perform other cellular phone functions.

The cellular phone 628 may communicate with mass data storage 635 thatstores data in a nonvolatile manner such as optical and/or magneticstorage devices for example hard disk drives (HDD) and/or DVD drives. Atleast one HDD may have the configuration shown in FIG. 6A and/or atleast one DVD may have the configuration shown in FIG. 6B. The HDD maybe a mini HDD that includes one or more platters having a diameter thatis smaller than approximately 1.8″. The cellular phone 628 may beconnected to memory 636 such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memorysuch as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage. Thecellular phone 628 also may support connections with a WLAN via a WLANnetwork interface 637.

Referring now to FIG. 6F, the present invention can be implemented in aset top box 638. The present invention may implement either or bothsignal processing and/or control circuits, which are generallyidentified in FIG. 6F at 639, a WLAN interface and/or mass data storageof the set top box 638. The set top box 638 receives signals from asource such as a broadband source and outputs standard and/or highdefinition audio/video signals suitable for a display 640 such as atelevision and/or monitor and/or other video and/or audio outputdevices. The signal processing and/or control circuits 639 and/or othercircuits (not shown) of the set top box 638 may process data, performcoding and/or encryption, perform calculations, format data and/orperform any other set top box function.

The set top box 638 may communicate with mass data storage 643 thatstores data in a nonvolatile manner. The mass data storage 643 mayinclude optical and/or magnetic storage devices for example hard diskdrives (HDDs) and/or DVD drives. At least one HDD may have theconfiguration shown in FIG. 6A and/or at least one DVD may have theconfiguration shown in FIG. 6B. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includesone or more platters having a diameter that is smaller thanapproximately 1.8″. The set top box 638 may be connected to memory 642such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memoryand/or other suitable electronic data storage. The set top box 638 alsomay support connections with a WLAN via a WLAN network interface 643.

Referring now to FIG. 6G, the present invention can be implemented in amedia player 644. The present invention may implement either or bothsignal processing and/or control circuits, which are generallyidentified in FIG. 6G at 645, a WLAN interface and/or mass data storageof the media player 644. In some implementations, the media player 644includes a display 646 and/or a user input 647 such as a keypad,touchpad and the like. In some implementations, the media player 644 mayemploy a graphical user interface (GUI) that typically employs menus,drop down menus, icons and/or a point-and-click interface via thedisplay 646 and/or user input 647. The media player 644 further includesan audio output 648 such as a speaker and/or audio output jack. Thesignal processing and/or control circuits 645 and/or other circuits (notshown) of the media player 644 may process data, perform coding and/orencryption, perform calculations, format data and/or perform any othermedia player function.

The media player 644 may communicate with mass data storage 649 thatstores data such as compressed audio and/or video content in anonvolatile manner. In some implementations, the compressed audio filesinclude files that are compliant with MP3 format or other suitablecompressed audio and/or video formats. The mass data storage may includeoptical and/or magnetic storage devices for example hard disk drives(HDDs) and/or DVD drives. At least one HDD may have the configurationshown in FIG. 6A and/or at least one DVD may have the configurationshown in FIG. 6B. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includes one or moreplatters having a diameter that is smaller than approximately 1.8″. Themedia player 644 may be connected to memory 650 such as RAM, ROM, lowlatency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other suitableelectronic data storage. The media player 644 also may supportconnections with a WLAN via a WLAN network interface 651. Still otherimplementations in addition to those described above are contemplated.

Embodiments of the invention can be implemented in digital electroniccircuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or incombinations of them. Apparatus of the invention can be implemented in acomputer program product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storagedevice for execution by a programmable processor; and method steps ofthe invention can be performed by a programmable processor executing aprogram of instructions to perform functions of the invention byoperating on input data and generating output. The invention can beimplemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that areexecutable on a programmable system including at least one programmableprocessor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmitdata and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one inputdevice, and at least one output device. Each computer program can beimplemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programminglanguage, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in anycase, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitableprocessors include, by way of example, both general and special purposemicroprocessors. Generally, a processor will receive instructions anddata from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Generally, acomputer will include one or more mass storage devices for storing datafiles; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disksand removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storagedevices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructionsand data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way ofexample semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flashmemory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removabledisks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing canbe supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specificintegrated circuits).

A number of implementations of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. An apparatus comprising: a processor; a test interface configured tobe in communication with the processor only when the test interface isenabled; a first memory configured to store firmware for the processor;a second memory configured to store boot code for the processor, whereinwhen the processor is booted, the boot code causes the processor to reada portion of the firmware from a predetermined location in the firstmemory, the test interface is configured to be enabled only when theportion of the firmware has a predetermined value, and the portion ofthe firmware stored at the predetermined location in the first memory isscrambled; and a descrambler configured to descramble the portion of thefirmware when the processor reads the portion of the firmware from thepredetermined location in the first memory.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the test interface comprises: a Joint Test Action Group (JTAG)interface.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1: wherein the processor isconfigured to determine whether the portion of the firmware has thepredetermined value; and wherein the processor is configured to enablethe test interface when the portion of the firmware has thepredetermined value.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: anapplication-specific circuit comprising a register, wherein the bootcode causes the processor to write the portion of the firmware to theregister, a third memory configured to store the predetermined value,and logic configured to enable the test interface based on a comparisonbetween the register and the third memory.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4:wherein the test interface is configured to be in communication with theapplication-specific circuit only when the test interface is enabled. 6.The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first memory comprises: a firmwarememory.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second memorycomprises: a read-only memory.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thedescrambling is performed according to at least one of: an AdvancedEncryption Standard (AES) process; a Data Encryption Standard (DES)process; and a shared-key process.
 9. An integrated circuit comprisingthe apparatus of claim
 4. 10. A disc player comprising the integratedcircuit of claim
 9. 11. A method for operating an apparatus including aprocessor, a test interface, a first memory to store firmware for theprocessor, and a second memory to store boot code for the processor, themethod comprising: reading a portion of the firmware from apredetermined location in the first memory in response to the boot codewhen the processor is booted; determining whether the portion of thefirmware has a predetermined value; enabling the test interface onlywhen the portion of the firmware has the predetermined value, whereinthe test interface communicates with the processor only when the testinterface is enabled and the portion of the firmware stored at thepredetermined location in the first memory is scrambled; anddescrambling the portion of the firmware when reading the portion of thefirmware from the predetermined location in the first memory.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the apparatus further includes a registerand a third memory to store the predetermined value, the method furthercomprising: writing the portion of the firmware to the register inresponse to the boot code; and enabling the test interface based on acomparison between the register and the third memory.
 13. The method ofclaim 12: wherein the apparatus further includes an application-specificcircuit comprising the register and the third memory; and wherein thetest interface communicates with the application-specific circuit onlywhen the test interface is enabled.
 14. The method of claim 11, whereinthe descrambling is performed according to at least one of: an AdvancedEncryption Standard (AES) process; a Data Encryption Standard (DES)process; and a shared-key process.
 15. A tangible computer readablestorage medium storing a program executable on a processor for operatingan apparatus including the processor, a test interface, a first memoryto store firmware for the processor, and a second memory to store bootcode for the processor, the tangible computer readable storage mediumcomprising: instructions for reading a portion of the firmware from apredetermined location in the first memory in response to the boot codewhen the processor is booted; instructions for determining whether theportion of the firmware has a predetermined value; and instructions forenabling the test interface only when the portion of the firmware hasthe predetermined value, wherein the test interface communicates withthe processor only when the test interface is enabled and the portion ofthe firmware stored at the predetermined location in the first memory isscrambled; and instructions for descrambling the portion of the firmwarewhen reading the portion of the firmware from the predetermined locationin the first memory.
 16. The tangible computer readable storage mediumof claim 15, wherein the apparatus further includes a register and athird memory to store the predetermined value, the tangible computerreadable storage medium further comprising: instructions for writing theportion of the firmware to the register in response to the boot code;and instructions for enabling the test interface based on a comparisonbetween the register and the third memory.
 17. The tangible computerreadable storage medium of claim 16: wherein the apparatus furtherincludes an application-specific circuit comprising the register and thethird memory; and wherein the test interface communicates with theapplication-specific circuit only when the test interface is enabled.18. The tangible computer readable storage medium of claim 15, whereinthe descrambling is performed according to at least one of: an AdvancedEncryption Standard (AES) process; a Data Encryption Standard (DES)process; and a shared-key process.